Title : Examining Chinese Canadian family carers' decision-making on long-term care: Application of andersen’s behavioral model
Abstract:
Chinese Canadian family cares face significant challenges in meeting the caregiving needs of their aging parents in Canada, often influenced by traditional values and limited access to culturally appropriate resources (Lai, 2007; Lai & Surood, 2008). Guided by Andersen’s Behavioral Model (1995), the purpose of this study was to examine relationships among predisposing factors (e.g., demographic characteristics, filial piety), enabling resources (e.g., access to health services), and need factors (e.g., level of caregiver burden) with the intention to use long-term care services. Employing a quantitative data collection supplemented by two open-ended qualitative questions, data were collected from 61 Chinese Canadian carers in Winnipeg using an online survey. Study findings revealed that carer gender significantly influences the intention to use long-term care, with female carers less likely to opt for institutionalization. Key barriers in the decision-making process included financial constraints and language difficulties, and facilitators, including social support. The high levels of filial piety among participants suggest that traditional cultural values significantly impact caregiving decisions. These insights underscore the need for culturally sensitive nursing interventions and the provision of accessible information and support services to assist Chinese Canadian family carers. Future research should focus on larger, more diverse samples and consider longitudinal designs to better understand the evolving dynamics of caregiving in this community.